Space Jam Release Date Announced

Remember two years ago when That’s Not Current featured 8 unforgettable sports moments from the 1980s? We noted how some teams and players transcend sports to become pop culture icons. The example we cited was one Michael Jordan, who’s known as much in pop culture as he is in sports thanks to his incredible talent, undeniable charisma, and megawatt smile. Oh, and he starred in that movie Space Jam in 1996 where he teamed up with Bugs Bunny and friends. It went on to become the highest-grossing basketball film of all time, earning over $230 million worldwide. Naturally, it spawned a sequel. Fittingly, it will star this era’s best and most recognizable basketball player, LeBron James.

Yes, that’s right. Bugs Bunny and the rest of his Looney Tunes buddies are set to take the court again, this time with LeBron instead of Jordan. The long-rumored Space Jam 2 will be produced by renowned director Ryan Coogler, whose film credits include Black Panther and Creed. The film even has a release date already: July 16, 2021

Hollywood Reporter notes that production for the film is set to begin later this year, sometime at the end of the 2018–2019 season. LeBron’s Lakers are currently trying to get into the postseason in hopes of salvaging a season that began with so much promise. The Lakers are ranked on bwin Sports as outside favorites to reach the playoffs this year due to their recent struggles, which began when LeBron injured his groin in a Christmas Day win over the Golden State Warriors. If the Purple and Gold don’t pick up, LeBron’s offseason will end much earlier than usual. Now, missing the playoffs is certainly unacceptable for Number 23, though he sure could use some extra time off — both for his banged up 34-year-old body and his off-the-court pursuits alongside Bugs Bunny.

With LeBron seemingly headed for an early offseason, there’s a good chance that the July 16, 2021 release date will hold up. Remember, Jordan filmed the original Space Jam in one offseason, which ironically started a few weeks earlier than the norm for His Airness. At the time the Bulls were defeated by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 1995 playoffs, leading to Jordan finishing up early. Of course, LeBron won’t want an early exit – hoping for a deep run in this year’s postseason and to play on until late May and early June. After all, he has two off seasons to work on Space Jam 2.

As usual, social media lit up after the announcement of Space Jam 2’s July 16, 2021 release date, and USA Today compiled some notable posts about it. One, in particular, pointed out how the release date is just four months shy of the original’s 25th anniversary. Another noted how LeBron has a player option just 15 days prior to the sequel’s debut. That means he can renegotiate his contract, explore free agency once more, or even retire.

Then again, July 16, 2021 is still more than two years away. But best believe That’s Not Current will stay, well, current and keep tabs on the upcoming Space Jam 2.